Paddy Power ‘yob-proof’ shop ahead of England clash at Aviva

Even the dogs in the street fear chaos from travelling hooligans, it would seem

Betting chain Paddy Power are expecting a slew of bets on Sunday’s friendly between the Republic of Ireland and the ‘auld enemy’ England – but are apparently not willing to gamble on the travelling fans’ good behaviour.

They have ‘yob-proofed’ their Baggot Street shop close to the Aviva Stadium – covering the entire shop in bubble wrap (and even their pet dog, if this picture is anything to go by).

The historic match (K.O. 1pm) will see Ireland host England for the first time since the infamous 1995 Lansdowne Road riot which forced the abandonment of the match with the Boys In Green leading 1-0.

They say the measures are there ‘just in case’ of any threat “that may come from violent yobs, knobs and hooligans who may infiltrate the Three Lions’ well-meaning travelling support”.

Paddy Power, a spokesperson for Paddy Power, said “It’s not that I’m anti-English.

“Some of my best friends are English. But you can’t deny they have sent us some bad eggs over time. Cromwell for example. He would have smashed up The Aviva if it was around in the 1600s.

“Us Irish wage war in a more subtle way. We just pillage their players and send them Louis Walsh.”